Often times we choose our rock shoes based on what type of climbing we will be doing. It may be aggressive shoes for face climbing, ankle protection for crack climbing, or really good shoes for smearing up walls. But, when you’re in the alpine comfort matters!

I mean, who really wants to have to take their shoes on and off on a back-country multi-pitch route? Not me! It’s easier all around if I can feel comfortable in my shoes AND have the versatility to climb many different styles.

The answer? La Sportiva Mythos!

La Sportiva Mythos on East Ridge of North Ingalls Peak

Why I love them:

(1) All leather– they stretch and mold to my feet! Over time they reach that “perfect” fit. Just be ware to size down to the extreme, especially if you plan on climbing in any hot weather (I went 2 sizes smaller from my street shoe)

(2) Sticky bottoms– Great for smearing to use the rock’s natural grip!

(3) “Medium”-hard edges– Helps when using those tiny foot holds, but not so hard that the shoe loses its ability to smear well.

(4) Light weight! — Adds minimal weight to the pack and making my feet feel light as a feather…like socks for rocks!

The specs:

womens–

8.29 oz / 235 g

leather, unlined (for stretch)

4mm vibram sole

mens–

8.74 oz/ 248 g

all the rest the same as the women’s shoes

Bottom line: These shoes are so comfortable that I can wear them for 8 hours on alpine rock climbs, or my full session at the rock gym. You can’t go wrong with all around versatility and comfort! There isn’t another like it for both quality and comfort. These shoes have lasted me over 2 seasons already!

-Bri

P.S. If you want a step up from the La Sportiva Mythos, try the La Sportiva TC Pro Rock. This shoe has a slightly harder edge for edging on climbs and features ankle protection for crack climbing. Extremely similar fit and function to the mythos, with just a slightly more specialized usage!

As an alpine climber, on nearly every trip I’ve found some gear item that I could’ve either left at home or should’ve upgraded to a MUCH lighter item. Because, damn, after 18+ hours of moving every ounce matters. But, when it comes to where we will be sleeping, there is an EXTREMELY fine line between light weight and a ridiculous squeeze that really serves no other purpose than an overly glorious sleeping bag cover.

Fear not, alpinists and explorers alike, Big Agnes tent makers to the rescue! This past summer I knew I was going to be piling on the mileage, but still wanted a little oasis from the heat, bugs, wind, snow, rain, and everything else. I splurged and got the 3-seasonUltralight Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent system. Viola! Here was a tent that got the dimensions just right, while shaving off the oz’s.

Big Agnes, fly-free, Zion West Rim #8 (Potato Hollow)

Big Agnes Copper Spur, with fly, Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier.

The Pro’s:

3 season (let’s face it, we can’t buy a tent for everything and 3-season fits everything except the most extreme)

3 lbs, 2 oz packed (damn! That’s light for a 3 season, seam-sealed tent, note: this does not include the 5 oz footprint)

free standing (I can set this tent up very quickly without becoming tangled in a bunch of poles. Specifically it has 2 poles, 1 main pole, the other as ceiling structural support)

2 side doors (I don’t have to roll over my climbing partner to pee in the middle of the night!)

size and ceiling (they measure this space just right for 2 people, and minimize tent claustrophobia with a “vaulted” ceiling)

Extremely packable! (the fabric easily conforms in my pack for a tight fit, without the super wrinkles that more heavy tents seem to pick up)

It fits in really small spots! (Like, a very small pull-over at the side of a hiking trail…Oh, yes, had to do this at Zion once we found the only water we’d seen in 14 miles)

VERSATILITY (3 season, ultra lightweight, and fits a variety of sized people…aka when I have different climbing partners we can bring my tent because they will fit too!)

Alright, so we all have heard our friends say, “I got this really awesome ultralight tent…and I couldn’t fit in it,” OR “There is no way this fits 2 people! I thought this was a 2 person tent!” Luckily, the big agnes is just right on size! My 5’10” boyfriend and 5’7″ self fit comfortably in this tent with room. My 6’2″ friend has measured and got himself into this tent as well. Though I absolutely love other brands for certain gear items, I’m sorry to say that their ultralight tents haven’t gotten the sizing quite right…

Here’s other comparable tents in this category–

(1) Black Diamond Firstlight Tent. At its impressive 2 lb, 13 oz weight, and as a 4-season free-standing tent, it is a very tempting buy. However here we run into the fine line between function and weight. Many of my climbing friends have mentioned that this tent is built for girls…They simply cannot fit their long legs comfortably. Also, the 4 season aspect can make it really hold in the condensation if it rains…or if you breathe…..it’s 42″ tall like the big agnes, but only 82″ in length and 28″ in width. Yikes! That’s small! I love Black Diamond, and maybe with some slight modifications this tent will be a winner.

(2) North Face Pheonix. At 3 lb, 8 oz it is already 6 oz heavier than the big agnes. It has 3 poles (not free-standing) and only 1.7 sq ft increase in floor space.

(3) Sierra Designs Vapor Light. At 3 lb, 12 oz, it is 10 oz’s heavier than the big agnes. It has a similar 2 pole, free-standing design. But increases sq ft by 1.5″, with a length of 93″, width of 42″ and a lower ceiling height of 38″…Though this tent is a bit heavier..it offers 3″ more of space for tall individuals.

So if you’re on the market for a tent, go check out Big Agnes! They are sure to have just what you are looking for!

When looking for a shell jacket that can handle all of our adventures, we want one that is lightweight, breathable (while retaining warmth), entirely wind and rain resistant, and extremely durable to handle our constant years of abuse. Yeah, it is a lot to ask for in one jacket! But gear is expensive and having multiple hundred dollar jackets, or one that fails us in the mountains, is just not an option.

The perfect solution? An Arc’teryx Alpha SV! The photo on the left shows me in my mandarin orange Alpha LT. This is the model just prior to the SV. Why haven’t I updated to the SV? Isn’t this supposed to be a blog about the best and newest gear, you ask? Because I haven’t needed to.

This jacket has handled multiple years of alpine abuse, from some serious storms on Mt. Rainier where a 1/4″ of ice coated all my biners to climbing on rock so grippy my hands looked like they had a fight with industrial sand paper. Though an initial glance at the $625.00 price tag is seriously scary, the jacket is well worth the one-time large chunk out of the bank account. Also, see my page on “Deal Grabbing.”

Weight: 15.6 oz/ 443 gMaterial: N80p-X GORE-TEX® Pro 3LFit: Alpine (designed for a harness and mobility–slightly longer in the back and short in the front)Sizing: True to Size (I am in the 4-6 range and the Small fits perfectly!)Pockets: 2 chest pockets (accessible even with a harness), 1 internalVents: Pit zips on both sidesHood: It is helmet compatible, but also can tightned down for a close fit around the face. Extended bill is helpful in keeping wind/rain away from your eyes.

Other Helpful Adjustments: Velcro sleeve cuffs to seal around gloves & waist band cords for a tighter fit.Etc: All zippers and seams are entirely sealed

Hey Alpinists! We are always thinking in oz’s not lbs so here are some other jackets (in a similar category) weight specs. Note…Arc’teryx makes an extremely specialized goretex like none other.

I came up with the idea to start this blog on real/heavily tested/picture inclusive gear reviews to help fellow adventurers get the best gear!

I have often bought items over the years that can only be used for one thing, don’t hold up, or are so non-breathable I sweat to death. Gear is important and it can greatly impact the success of our adventures or the amount of fun we have.

I have used, tested, and used again all of this gear. I have searched for the best of the best and items that we really “cannot” live without.

I hope to bug all my friends into getting them to give their 2-cents on things that I haven’t tested myself…like men’s clothing…so guy and lady climbers are all included.

I hope you enjoy this Blog and find it fun, helpful, and inspiring…feel free to make comments and add gear ideas!

-Bri

PS. See my About page to read about my experience, adventures, and about my outdoor enthusiasm!